Hobart workers are being urged to lace up their walking shoes and participate in Walk to Work Day this Friday, 6 September.
Walking is a part of the recently endorsed City of Hobart, Transport Strategy, and part of the council’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable city.
Research by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research Associate Professor Verity Cleland PhD has found that active commuters in Tasmania have better self-rated health and lower body mass index values than those who do not actively commute.
In Hobart, 31% of commuters walk to work already – the highest percentage of any Australian capital city – but there is still potential for it to grow.
The City of Hobart encourages all residents to take part in Walk to Work Day and experience firsthand the benefits of active commuting.
Walking is not only a healthy and low-cost way to get around; it also offers huge benefits for our city,” Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds. “Everyone who makes a journey on foot is reducing pollution and congestion on our roads.”
“Walking is a superpower for our health. It improves heart health, reduces anxiety, strengthens muscles, burns fat, improves blood pressure, reduces risk of diabetes and improves memory.”
“Walk to Work Day is a great opportunity to try out a new way to get to work or add a walk to part of your journey. I’d love to see Hobart continue to lead the nation as one of the most walkable cities in Australia.”
Menzies Institute for Medical Research Associate Professor Verity Cleland PhD said that the health benefits of walking and other forms of active transport showed that being active helps to prevent heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
“Working with all levels of government and the community I believe we can make Tasmania a wonderful and safe place for people to get out and about on foot, with improved footpaths, connectivity, and infrastructure,” she said.
“Walking to work – or even part of the way – is a great way to build more activity into your day. It all adds up for health benefits. Imagine a Hobart where everybody who wanted to can walk safely to and from work.”
City Mobility Portfolio Chair Cr Ryan Posselt noted that walking is a key part of the Transport Strategy to create a more accessible and liveable Hobart.
“By improving our walking networks and encouraging public transport use, we can help people get more active, reduce congestion, and support local businesses,” he said.
“To make walking more appealing, we need to improve the overall experience. This includes ensuring safer, more connected walking routes and enhancing public transport services.”
